Empress Effects Bass Compressor

When Empress released their original Compressor back in 2011, it quickly became a favourite among guitar and bass players alike who were searching for something more than the typical oversimplified controls found on most compressor pedals. Although that original Compressor sounded great on bass — and still does — Empress set out to do even better.

On top of the full range of features and controls normally only seen in high-end studio equipment — input and gain reduction metering, independent attack and release controls, a mix knob for parallel compression, and an external sidechain insert — the Bass Compressor adds a fully variable sidechain high-pass filter and a two-position "tone + colour" circuit that brings gentle tone sculpting and harmonic distortion, giving your bass some delicious character.

Transparent Analog Signal Path

Pure analog compression without any digital interference. FET compression preserves your instrument's original tone while adding dynamic control. Choose from 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1 ratios, and fine-tune the compression character with independent attack and release controls.

Enhanced Low-End Response and Compact Design

Designed for bassists and extended-range guitarists, the Bass Compressor handles low frequencies from 10Hz with ease. The enclosure is approximately half the size of the original Compressor, saving space on your pedalboard, and comes in Blue Sparkle or Silver Sparkle finishes.

Advanced Metering and Parallel Compression

Monitor both gain reduction and input levels with separate meters for clear, accurate feedback. Blend uncompressed and compressed signals using the Mix control for New York-style parallel compression.

Tone + Colour and Sidechain Features

The 3-position "Tone + Colour" switch can be set flat, to a mid cut at 500Hz, or to an upper-mid boost at 2kHz, and can optionally add harmonic distortion for extra warmth and punch. Use the 3.5mm TRS send and return for sidechain compression, and adjust the variable high-pass filter from 20Hz to 400Hz for precise control over low-frequency compression.

Features

• Voiced for bass with 10Hz – 20kHz frequency response
• All-analog signal path with true bypass switching
• Multi-segment metering for input and gain reduction
• Selectable 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1 ratios
• Sidechain input with variable high-pass filter
• Colour circuit adds harmonic distortion
• Mix knob for parallel compression

Specifications

• Input Impedance: 1MΩ
• Output Impedance: 2.2kΩ
• Frequency Response (-3dB): 10Hz – 20kHz
• Distortion: less than 0.1%
• Noise: 101dB
• Power Input Voltage: 9V DC centre-negative, 2.1mm barrel
• Power Consumption: ~100mA
• Enclosure Material: die-cast aluminium
• Dimensions: 4.8" L × 2.6" W × 2.5" H
• Weight: 1 lb

UPC: Blue Sparkle 850040850222 · Silver Sparkle 850040850239